Charming mountain streams, wonderfully gorgeous valleys or Himalayan peaks soaring up to the sky – travelers look for destinations that offer such options when planning a vacation away from the hot Indian Summers. Such tourist spots offer accommodation for all kinds of travelers, from budget to splurge. However, more often than not, the government guest houses are the best option for accommodation in the mountains.
Being located at vantage points, they offer exclusive opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the place, that no private property in the vicinity is able to provide.
Let us find out about a few of such hotels and guest houses that can make your stays affordable and holidays memorable.
Uttarakhand
Tourist Rest Houses (TRH) in Uttarakhand have been welcoming guests to the Dev-Bhoomi for years, providing unmatched accommodation infrastructure at the best of locations. Demographically, Uttarakhand is divided into two parts – Kumaon (eastern side) and Garhwal (western side). Hence, separate boards take care of the guest houses in the respective areas. KMVN and GMVN are Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam respectively.
KMVN has properties in all major tourist destinations of the Kumaon region, viz Nainital, Mukteshwar, Kausani, Almora and Munsiyari. The prominent ones are listed below:
Nainital: Unarguably, Nainital is the most mythologically significant of all hill stations in North India. The Nainital lake, along with the adjacent Naina Devi Temple is the principal attraction of Nainital. KMVN has three properties here.
KMVN TRH Sukhatal offers a family-friendly environment alongside amenities designed to enhance the vacation. Located around 20-mins’ walk away from the Mall Road, the property also boasts a fitness center, an on-site restaurant and free parking for guests. Food served here is simple, homely and reasonably priced. Located close to the Eco Cave Garden, the property houses a total of 31 rooms for tourists.
Rooms starting at ₹2232
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KMVN TRH Snowview was once the British Governor House. Situated a mere 2km from Cable Car Trolley, the rooms offer marvelous views of the snow-capped peaks in winters. There are only four rooms available for tourists that offer an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience.
Rooms starting at ₹3000
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Chaukori: Chaukori is one obscure hamlet situated around 175 km from Nainital. Usually, Chaukori is planned along with other destinations like Kausani, Munsiyari or Patal Bhuvaneshwar. The charm of the place is enhanced at the TRH which offers a 270 degree of unobstructed view of the Himalayan peaks. Infact, Chaukori has no other sightseeing spot. It is only the TRH that tourists visit to marvel at the views. People choose to stay at the cottage-style rooms to merely enjoy the sunrise and sunsets.
Rooms starting at ₹2800
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Mukteshwar: Situated around 60km from both Nainital and Almora, Mukteshwar is famous for the 350-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The KMVN property at Mukteshwar qualifies as a spot in itself. Waking up to the chirping of birds, enjoying the Sun lighting up the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayan mountains at dawn, having breakfast at the lawns offering spectacular view of the mountain range – TRH Mukteshwar would attract any soul looking for peace and tranquility amidst the mountains of Uttarakhand.
Rooms starting at ₹2500
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Kausani: Perched at 1890 mt above sea level, TRH Kausani offers tourists sweeping views of Himalayan peaks like Mt. Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli. Located 2km from Gandhi Ashram, opposite the Kausani Estate Bunglow, the facility has cottages, family suites and double-bedded rooms. Other facilities like Hot water supply, parking, restaurant are also available here.
Rooms starting at ₹1723
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Munsiyari: TRH Munsiyari offers travelers spacious and clean rooms, good food and the grandest view of the Panchachuli peaks, in whole of Kumaon. Besides Executive and Deluxe rooms, the property also provides 16 bed dormitories. In winters Munsiyari gets covered in snow. Besides the breathtakingly beautiful views, snow is a major attraction for tourists to Munsiyari.
Rooms starting at ₹2054
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Almora: Besides magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks, Almora is also popular as a spiritual retreat in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is famous for Kasar Devi Temple and temples dedicated to Chitai Golu Devta and Nanda Devi. TRH Almora is a budget hotel located on the Mall Road, around 10km from Kasar Devi Temple.
Rooms starting at ₹1900
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Binsar: This KMVN property is located inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, 2km before the zero point of Binsar. The solitude amidst the dense forest of pine and deodar and the enchanting views of the hills from the garden and terrace make this property a unique proposition. The hotel serves tourists in limited capacity. It has only 1 suite and 4 Deluxe and 6 Executive rooms. The in-house restaurant is the only option for meals in the area and it offers delicious food to the patrons.
Rooms starting at ₹2312
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Jageshwar: Jageshwar Dham is a group of ancient Hindu temples built on the banks of river Jatganga. In order to completely soak in the spirituality and divinity of the place, devotees stay the night in Jageshwar Dham. While there are many lodges and homestays in the vicinity, the TRH is the most beautiful option of a hotel here. Located right across the temple complex, this property has 8 Deluxe rooms, 16 dormitory beds and a restaurant.
Rooms starting at ₹2054
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The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam has set up TRH at more than 20 spots across the region. Of these, the most popular ones are listed below:
Chhota Char Dham: There are four pivotal Hindu shrines in Uttarakhand, collectively referred to as the Chhota Char Dham. The four cardinal Hindu Temples are at Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. TRH have been set up by GMVN at all these locations. It is to be noted that these facilities are not functional during the winter months, when the deities stay in the Winter Char Dham. GMVN properties in Harsil, Ukhimath and Joshimath, may then be availed by the pilgrims.
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The hotels provide clean and comfortable accommodation in close proximity to the temples. The restaurants serve pure vegetarian food. GMVN Yatri Niwas is a more economical option for pilgrims that is available at Badrinath and Kedarnath. TRH are also available at Janki Chatti, Gaurikund and Ghangaria (commencement point of the trek to the sacred shrines of Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib respectively).
Dhanaulti: A quaint hamlet that has gained popularity in recent times, Dhanaulti offers tourists jungle trails, mesmerizing views of the mountains and snow in the winters. GMVN Hotel Dhanaulti Heights provides modern amenities, comfortable accommodation and warm hospitality that may be best enjoyed for a lazy vacation.
Rooms starting at ₹1500
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Mussoorie: GMVN Hotel Garhwal Terrace is a deluxe rest house in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand’s most famous holiday destination for honeymooners. This family-friendly hotel is located in the middle of the Mall Road.
Rooms starting at ₹1000
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Himachal Pradesh
While traditionally Himachal Pradesh was known as a summer destination, the Tourism Department HPTDC has taken special efforts to diversify into all-season tourism for the state. The properties managed by HPTDC are strewn across the top destinations. Here is a run down of a few of the popular ones.
Shimla: The Peterhof has been home to more than seven Viceroys and Governor Generals during British rule. After independence the building served as Punjab High Court, and then it served as Raj Bhavan when Himachal Pradesh became a state. It was restructured in 1991 and turned into a heritage luxury hotel. The hotel offers view of Dhauladhar range on the western side and Kinnar Kailash on the eastern side.
Manali: The Rohtang Manalsu is set amidst green lawns, a little away from the town centre of Manali. It is on the route to Hadimba Temple, offering excellent views of Vasishth.
Rooms starting at ₹2200
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Kullu: Nature's abundance makes Kullu luxurious and rejuvenating for the tourists. The hot water springs of Manikaran, the picturesque views of the mountains and meadows all around and opportunity of adventure sports like paragliding, white water rafting, etc. make Kullu a top destination. The Sarvari offers spacious, decently furnished rooms, along with restaurant and parking facility. The property at Shastrinagar, is a little distance away from the town centre.
Rooms starting at ₹1600
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Chail: Built in 1891, the Maharaja’s Palace is set over 75 acres. The Palace has an array of suites, rooms and cottages that are sumptuously furnished with ornate and antique furniture and wall to wall carpeting and fire place. The royal setting along with spectacular views is the biggest attraction for this property.
Rooms starting at ₹3500
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Paonta Sahib: The Yamuna, located a mere 100mt from the Sikh Shrine Paonta Sahib, overlooks the river. The beautiful garden bordered by tall trees makes it a charming option for accommodation of tourists.
Rooms starting at ₹990
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Sarahan: The HPTDC hotel, Srikhand is named after the majestic Srikhand peak that the hotel overlooks. Based on the architecture of the Bhimakali Temple, this hotel allows guests to enjoy the beauty of Sarahan at its best.
Rooms starting at ₹1800
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Mcleodganj, Dharamshala: The Club House is most conveniently located in the vicinity of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama’s residence. The rooms are well furnished that offer stunning views of the Kangra valley.
Rooms starting at ₹2300
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Hotel Dhauladhar, near the Pong Dam reservoir, is another luxury hotel serviced by HPTDC. It houses luxury suites equipped with fireplace and balconies, billiards room and a bar cum restaurant.
Rooms starting at ₹2900
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The Kunal is a budget category accommodation that is located near the Bus Stand. The hotel offers parking and it houses a restaurant too.
Rooms starting at ₹1800
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Naggar: The Castle is a medieval castle that was turned into a heritage hotel about a century back. Built by Raja Sidh Singh, in 1460, this castle is an amalgamation of Himalayan and European influence. Overlooking the Kullu valley, the hotel offers panoramic views of the mountains on all sides. It also houses a gallery with paintings of the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich.
Rooms starting at ₹1400
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West Bengal
Darjeeling is often referred to as Queen of Hill Stations. Tourists throng the destination in West Bengal in search of romantic allure of the hills. The mesmerizing views of Kanchenjungha, the charm of Toy Train ride and the appeal of tea gardens on all directions make this place a top rated holiday destination. The Government run Tourism Department, WBTDCL manages Guest houses in Darjeeling and the fairly popular Kalimpong.
Darjeeling: Meghabalika Tourism property flaunts an old world architectural style that is essentially European. It takes around 5 mins' walk to reach the hotel from the Mall, the heart of Darjeeling town. There are 15 rooms in each of the main building and the Annexe (budget category). At every landing of the stairway, there there is a sofa seating arrangement that offers wonderful view of the valley through large windows. The Eastern Himalayan range is visible in its entirety from the lawn.
Rooms starting at ₹2700
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Kalimpong: Located right next to the scenic Army Golf Course, Morgan House is a gorgeous colonial house that has been transformed into a hotel. Deluxe rooms are well furnished and they come with fireplaces. The heritage building has a manicured garden overlooking the spectacular valley and Kanchenjungha across the horizon.
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